14-Day Private China Tour: Beijing– Xi'an– Chengdu–Chongqing–Xiamen–Shanghai

Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Beijing. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.

The Forbidden City: Explore the magnificent Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing. This ancient imperial complex was once the home of 24 emperors during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. Marvel at its grandeur as you stroll through the vast square, grand halls, intricate gates, beautiful gardens, courtyards, and living quarters. The exhibitions, showcasing both permanent and temporary treasures, offer a glimpse into the rich history of ancient China. Expect approximately 2 hours of walking (covering 2 kilometers), with a moderate level of difficulty.

Hutong Tour in Xicheng District: Embark on a fascinating journey through the historic alleyways known as Hutongs. These narrow lanes are lined with traditional courtyard houses that capture the charm of old Beijing, although they are vanishing rapidly. Enjoy a guided tour where you can hop on a rickshaw and ride through the winding alleys. Visit a local family to gain insight into their way of life, and walk across the Silver Ingot Bridge (Yinding Bridge) while discovering the unique features of the different courtyards.

Tiananmen Square: Discover Tian'anmen Square, the largest city square in central Beijing. Named after the Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) situated to its north, this square holds immense cultural significance as the site of key events in Chinese history. As a symbol of China's national pride, it is surrounded by impressive structures including the Heavenly Gate (entrance to the Forbidden City), museums, government buildings, and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

Great Wall Hiking from Jinshanling to Simatai West: Embark on a moderate-level hike along the Jinshanling to Simatai West section of the Great Wall. Capture stunning photos and explore over 15 well-preserved watchtowers. Experience both restored and unrepaired sections during this 3-hour trek.

Gubei Water Town: Discover the picturesque Gubei Water Town, surrounded by a tranquil lake reservoir and the majestic Simatai Great Wall. Immerse yourself in the beauty of mountains, water, and ancient villages. Consider an overnight stay for the enchanting night views of the illuminated Simatai section.

Simatai Great Wall Night Tour: Experience the unique opportunity to explore the illuminated Simatai section of the Great Wall at night. Enjoy fantastic views and marvel at the shimmering lake below. Visit Towers 5 and 6 during the night tour, and take advantage of cable cars for convenience.

Summer Palace with Boat Ride and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony: Explore the magnificent Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved royal park. Take a leisurely 2-hour walk (covering 2 kilometers) through the park, enjoying its natural beauty and cultural significance. Don't miss the charming boat ride experience.

Lama Temple: Visit the vibrant Yonghe Lamasery, the renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple showcasing beautiful halls, courtyards, and the world's largest wooden statue. Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and witness devout worshippers seeking blessings.

Temple of Heaven: Step back in time as you explore the Temple of Heaven, a remarkable complex of Taoist buildings dating back to the Ming dynasty (1420). This historical site played a significant role in the emperors' annual ceremonies, where they prayed for prosperous harvests. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the temple's park, where locals gather in the morning to sing, exercise, and practice Tai Chi. Covering 273 hectares in the southern part of central Beijing, expect a leisurely 1-1.5 hour walk (covering 1.5 kilometers).

Terracotta Warriors and Horses: Explore the majestic Terracotta Warriors, an army of over 7,000 soldiers guarding Emperor Qin's tomb since 210 BC. Each figure is unique, and you can witness ongoing excavation in three protected pits. Don't miss the museum and film showcasing the vaults' history. Wear comfortable shoes and take photos (no flash).

Terracotta Warrior at a Cave Dwelling Experience: Visit a countryside cave dwelling family workshop to learn the ancient art of making Terracotta Warriors. Interact with local artisans and discover the intricate steps involved in crafting these life-sized figures.

Xian City Wall with Bicycle: Cycle along the historic Xian City Wall, one of China's oldest and best-preserved city defenses. Enjoy a thrilling ride around the 13.74-kilometer perimeter. If biking conditions are unfavorable, visit the Bell Tower instead. Bike rental fees are included, and guides provide route suggestions. Club cars are available for those who prefer not to bike.

Shaanxi History Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich history of China at the Shaanxi History Museum, widely regarded as one of the nation's best museums. Housed in grand Tang-style buildings, explore four major galleries filled with an extensive and impressive collection beautifully presented. While most item labels are in English, some additional information may not be, but your guide will be there to assist. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes for your visit.

Dumpling Cooking Experience: Delve into the culinary delights of China by learning to make Jiaozi or dumplings with meat and vegetable fillings. Experience the warmth of local hospitality as you are welcomed into a local home for this hands-on activity. Discover the art of dumpling making and gain insight into the local culture. The entire process takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Muslim Quarter: Step into the vibrant atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter, located just 100 meters west of the Bell tower in downtown Xi'an. Stroll along the 500-meter-long avenue adorned with bluestone pavement, and explore the unique stalls, souvenir shops, cafes, and bars predominantly run by Muslim locals. This bustling area is a popular destination for tourists, offering a variety of shopping experiences.

Panda Breeding and Research Center: Visit the Panda Breeding and Research Center, located just north of Chengdu. Explore the nursery and witness the successful breeding program for giant pandas and other endangered species. Don't miss the panda museum for valuable information. Note: Consider arriving at 7:00 am to avoid large crowds during July and August. Please be aware that interactive activities with pandas are currently closed due to protection measures.

Local Tea House in People's Park: Find tranquility in the People's Park, known for its bonsai gardens, lakes, and traditional tea houses. Experience Chengdu's tea culture and consider trying a local massage.

Chengdu Kuan-zhai Lane: Step into the past at Kuan-zhai Lane, an alley where old Chengdu comes to life. Explore the restored area with its mix of Western food, takeaways, coffee shops, and art.

Jinsha Museum: Explore the Jinsha archaeological site in Chengdu, revealing a three-thousand-year history. Discover significant relics, including gold, bronze, jade, and lacquer wares. Unearthed artifacts like ivory, buck teeth, and antlers add to the collection's intrigue.

Jinli Old Street with Snack Tasting: Experience the charm of Jinli Old Street, showcasing traditional Sichuan architecture. Sample local snacks like bean jelly, sweet potato noodles, and Sichuan-style wontons. For the daring, try rabbit head in chili sauce.

Furong Cave: Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Furong Cave, adorned with stunning formations of calcite, aragonite, and gypsum. Marvel at the clusters of crystals, cave pearls, stalactites, and draperies that create a dazzling natural palace. The cave comes to life with multicolored lighting, adding to its enchantment.

Three Natural Bridges: Explore the captivating Three Natural Bridges in Wulong, the main highlights of the area. These majestic bridges reach heights of up to 100 meters and span 30 meters in width. Join fellow travelers as you hike around the bridges and wander through the breathtaking gorge.

Visit Fairy Hill National Forest Park, ranked among Chongqing's top attractions. This expansive park covers 8,910 hectares and offers stunning scenery including forests, peaks, meadows, and snowy landscapes. During summer, enjoy outdoor sports like grass skiing, off-road vehicles, and paragliding. In winter, the park transforms into a ski resort.

South Putuo Temple: Visit the historic South Putuo Temple at the foot of Wulao Peak in Xiamen. Admire its collection of Buddhist cultural relics, including a Burmese jade carving of the Buddha. Afterward, climb Wulao Peak for panoramic views of Xiamen University and Xiamen Port.

Gulangyu Island: Explore Gulangyu Island, famous for its colonial buildings and musical heritage. Discover attractions like Crag of Sunlight and Shuzhuang Garden, and enjoy leisurely strolls along its winding paths. Don't forget to browse the local shops for interesting souvenirs.

East Nanjing Road: Experience leisure, shopping, and dining on East Nanjing Road, perfect for those seeking medium-priced options. Explore the area's time-honored feature stores offering unique finds.

West Nanjing Road: Discover luxury shopping centers on West Nanjing Road, home to renowned brands like Armani, Hermes, LV, Givenchy, and Cartier. Explore popular destinations such as Westgate Mall, Plaza 66, and Citic Plaza in this vibrant commercial district.

Three on the Bund: Immerse yourself in the innovative and sophisticated atmosphere of Three on the Bund. This complex combines upscale retail shops, art galleries, fine dining, and entertainment in an architecturally stunning setting.

Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Shanghai Pudong Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.